Explore more in the world of yoga

Since its origin, yoga has been giving refuge to many across the world. The benefits of yoga poses are for everyone, from fitness freaks to seekers of a calmer and focused mind, from enjoyers of yogic bliss to those who wish to attain a higher state of consciousness.

Interestingly, we all have done yoga poses as babies. Since birth, babies tend to get into different positions while lying down, learning to stand or walk, in fact, babies even breathe as yogis and their mind is also like yogis – always in the present moment. So, yoga for beginners is nothing but reminding ourselves the wonder poses that we did in our childhood.

Plank exercises usually fall under the beginner’s yoga pose and have multiple benefits. For beginners, the yoga plank pose and its variations are strongly recommended to help build stamina and core body strength for practicing the advanced yoga poses. Plank pose forms an essential part of Surya Namaskar (sun salutations) too.

Initially, it may be difficult to hold the plank poses, but with practice it can do wonders in helping you build bodily as well as mental strength. The basic plank exercise, along with its variations, is a good workout for your spine too. Its regular practice, by holding the breath for few seconds to minutes, also helps tone the nervous system.

You couldn’t imagine living without the Internet. But would you actually be happier in a less connected world?

Fully 90 percent of people say the Internet has been a good thing for them personally. But the answer to whether or not that means they’re happier, healthier or more satisfied with their lives takes a little more untangling.

The folks over at Happify, an app that features games and activities geared toward improving emotional wellbeing, compiled some of the best recent data on how technology can boost or challenge our happiness.

Consider, for example, that while most people report being treated kindly online, a quarter of people say they have been attacked or bullied. And that 74 percent of couples say that the Internet has had a positive effect on their marriages, but 38 percent report that (for better or worse) online communication makes them less likely to rely exclusively on their partners as confidants.

When it comes to bringing people together, though, the web gets mostly good reviews. Sixty-seven percent of Internet users say that email, texting and social networking has strengthened their relationships with family and friends. And 56 percent say they have borne witness to people rallying together online to help someone else, as exemplified by such touching stories as the movement to “wear yellow for Seth,” the boy with no immune system, the $100,ooo raised to buy a car for a Detroit man who walked 21 miles to work, and the viral photo that got Chester the dog adopted after five harsh years in a shelter.

How does social media affect the 74 percent of adults who use it? As you’d guess, it’s complicated. Social media users are, not surprisingly, less likely to be socially isolated. They’re also more likely to feel a sense of support and are more trusting (which might help explain the preponderance of Facebook hoaxes). On the flip side, social networking is linked to feelings of envy, lower self-esteem and an overall decrease in life satisfaction.

As Happify’s infographic below shows, little tweaks in how you use it can make a big difference.

What Are Migraines?
A recurrent throbbing headache, often in one side of the head, frequently accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.

Headaches are among the most common afflictions. Fortunately, home remedies can significantly reduce their frequency and intensity, and even eliminate them.

What Are the Different Types of Headaches?

depending on the cause or location of the pain. The four main types of headaches are vascular, myogenic, cervicogenis, and chronic progressive headaches.

Vascular Headaches:

Vascular headache is a group of conditions that involve the dilation or swelling of blood vessels that cause headache pain. The blood vessels in the head become enlarged, distended and inflamed, which alters the normal pulsation of the vessels and leads to a throbbing pain that usually worsens with physical activity.

Myogenic Headaches:

Headaches appear to involve the tightening or tensing of facial and neck muscles, they may radiate to the forehead.

Cervicogenic Headaches:

When a headache is caused by a problem in the neck or cervical spine area, it is known as a cervicogenic headache. Cervicogenic type of headache can be a debilitating medical condition, having a very negative effect on quality of life.

Chronic Progressive Headaches:

Also called traction or inflammatory headaches, chronic progressive headaches get worse and happen more often over time. These are the least common type of headache, accounting for less than 5% of all headaches in adults and less than 2% of all headaches in kids.

Medication in Moderation

Guidelines to follow:

*Choose liquid over pills. Your body absorbs it faster.

*Take painkillers as soon as you feel pain. You’ll likely beat it with a smaller dose.

*Avoid drugs that contain caffeine or multiple ingredients. These are more likely to cause “rebound” headaches. This is what happens when you take medicines too often or for too long. They actually make your condition worse, not better.

Natural Tips for Migraine Treatment at Home:

Peppermint Oil creates a cooling sensation that relaxes the muscles in your head and neck which need to apply for hairline.

Crush up an inch of Fresh ginger root and add it to boiling water. This homemade tea reduces inflammation in about the same amount of time as it would take an aspirin to work.

Stress and other headache triggers can be especially apparent during the holidays. The following tips help to avoid headaches / migraine at home during the holidays:

Maintain your sleep not less than 6 Hours. Forgoing sleep for holiday parties can worsen chronic headaches and migraines. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day.

Eat according to your regular meal schedule. While skipping a meal (i.e. intermittent fasting) is beneficial for many, it can trigger a headache in some people. Instead take fruits and juices.

Avoid “hangover” headaches. If you drink alcohol during the holiday season, be sure to do so only in moderation. And if you suffer from migraines, be aware that red wine is a trigger for many.

Watch what you eat. Many food-related headache triggers can be found at holiday parties. This includes chocolate, processed meats, aged cheeses, MSG, aspartame, and more.

Avoid fragrance triggers. Perfume, scented candles, and other odors can trigger headaches in those who are sensitive. Watch out for such fragrances while shopping, visiting friends and relatives, etc.

Be aware of bright lights. For some, bright Christmas lights, especially those that flicker, may trigger a migraine. If you’ll be around such holiday decorations, consider wearing sunglasses to dampen their effects.

Sun Salutations and Kapal Bhati pranayama are some ways to help lose weight with yoga. Moreover, with regular practice of yoga, we tend to become more sensitive to the kind of food our body asks for and when. This can also help keep a check on weight. Weight loss is one of major benefits of yoga

Inner peace:
We all love to visit peaceful, serene spots, rich in natural beauty. Little do we realize that peace can be found right within us and we can take a mini-vacation to experience this any time of the day! Benefit from a small holiday every day with yoga and meditation. Yoga is also one of the best ways to calm a disturbed mind.

Increased energy:
A few minutes of yoga everyday provides the secret to feeling fresh and energetic even after a long day.

Better flexibility & posture:
Regular yoga practice stretches and tones the body muscles and also makes them strong. It also helps improve your body posture when you stand, sit, sleep or walk